Leading causes of residential fires in Mobile and how to avoid them

There are numerous dangers you have to keep in mind as a property owner. Fire is chief among them, as it can happen in any place and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated an astounding $8.9 billion in property damage across the United States due to residential fires in 2021. That same year, there were over 350,000 reported fires. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them from happening|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Mobile.

What starts residential fires in Mobile?

Fires can begin in any spot and without notice, whether caused by a burning cigarette in a trash can or a neglected stovetop. Here are the top causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most frequent sorts of residential fires in Mobile and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the primary culprit, so always keep an eye on that hot skillet when making a meal. It’s also essential to note that putting water on a grease fire will only worsen the situation.
• Heating: Space heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Operating them for too long can cause internal components to wear out and spark. Situating heaters near flammable fabrics like blankets and drapes or using damaged cords will also lead to disaster. Other types of heating, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be checked regularly.
• Electrical: Worn out wiring, malfunctioning outlets, and overburdened extension cords are some ways electrical problems result in fires. Don’t ever use an appliance with a tattered cord, and make sure ignitable objects like paper aren’t placed on a lampshade, get it investigated immediately.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the potential for fire. Residential fires due to candles are still frequently reported and typically result from careless behavior. Using candles in close proximity to flammable items like drapery or having them within range of a rambunctious pet will lead to disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decrease in smoking across the nation, it’s still a primary fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration announced that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely discarding smoldering ashes can give rise to catastrophic results.

The best way to prevent house fires in Mobile is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you have to run a space heater, do so infrequently and use one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it is knocked over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Mobile

You need to have smoke detectors on each floor and think about installing more by bedrooms. But you can take your protection to another level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also be triggered due to rising heat. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever an emergency strikes. This is a nice feature, specifically when you’re not around to hear the alarm and call the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Mobile

Enhance the protection of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You may customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, CO detectors, and flood sensors. You’ll be thankful for the instant updates to your smartphone and the 24-hour support that you enjoy with professional monitoring. Place a call to (251) 336-3077 to talk with a Vivint representative.